I have a large clump of anise-hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) in my vegetable garden, and the clump is quickly becoming a patch. Lots of seeds were thrown around by the plant last summer, and I’ve given seedlings away to several friends and family members this year. In fact, if you live in the area I’d be happy to give you some.
This member of the mint family attracts all kinds of bees and butterflies to the garden, which is absolutely necessary for growing plants that require pollination, like zucchini, squash and cucumbers. It can also be made into a soothing tea. I told myself I wasn’t going to let this plant go to seed again this summer, because as much as I love the purple spikey blooms and heady licorice scent as I brush past it, I don’t want the veggie patch to be overrun with the stuff.
I also have some of the Golden Jubilee variety, which is very similar, but doesn’t seem to grow as tall in our herb garden. I gave a clump to friends Andy and Kelly earlier in the season and it’s already grown into a sizable plant, adding a nice splash of contrasting yellow-green to their perennial garden.
I’d better get out and trim mine down before it’s too late.
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Again you have hit upon one of my favorite things in my garden.
I just love hyssop.